Football

Julio Jones is known as one of the more quiet guys you’ll see in the NFL. He’s also looked at as one of, if not the best WR in the league. Ever since Matt Ryan signed his new historic contract, it seems like things have gotten real in the Atlanta Falcons camp. Everything started when Julio Jones wiped his social media accounts clean and unfollowed the Falcons. The Atlanta Falcons owner, Arthur Blank and the organization said it wasn’t a big deal and Jones also said the same thing. There have been rumblings that Jones wasn’t happy about his contract situation, but no one thought too much about it. With Jones scheduled to miss mandatory minicamp that starts Tuesday, maybe there’s a bigger issue. The Atlanta Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said in a statement released Monday.

“We have been in contact with Julio and his representation,” Dimitroff said. “We will not discuss those conversations publicly, except to say we feel they have been productive and constructive. We understand the concerns and thoughts from their perspective. Although not ideal, Julio informed us today he would not be attending mini-camp.

“We have much respect for him and what he means to our team, our city and our fans.”

Sources told ESPN’s Josina Anderson that Jones’ side sent a proposal to the Falcons, the response was not satisfactory, and Jones did not see fit to attend the mandatory minicamp at this time.

Jones has three years and almost $35 million remaining on his contract. He is aware of the seven other receivers who average more than his $14.25 million per year, led by Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown at $17 million per year. When Jones signed a five-year, $71.25 million contract extension in August 2015, he received $47 million guaranteed. That’s the same amount of guaranteed money Jarvis Landry received after being traded from Miami to Cleveland.

The Falcons understand Jones’ contract concerns and seem willing to work with him at some point. Jones did not show up for any part of voluntary workouts, including organized team activities. He’ll face maximum fines of $14,070, $28,140, and $42,215 for missing mandatory minicamp Tuesday through Thursday.

Falcons coach Dan Quinn initially said he expected Jones at camp but didn’t say that message was relayed directly from Jones.

Jones told TMZ last month that there is no bad blood between him and the team. He has been working out with Hall of Fame receiver Terrell Owens this offseason.

Quarterback Matt Ryan said he had “no concern” about Jones missing the voluntary part of the offseason program, despite much talk about Jones being healthy enough to work on timing with Ryan.

Jones, entering his eighth NFL season, is looking for his fifth straight season with 1,400-plus receiving yards.

What do you think about the situation with Julio Jones? Will the Falcons and Jones work something out before training camp start? Could you possibly see Atlanta trading their prized WR? How do you see the situation play out? Leave a comment below.

Mandatory minicamp begins this coming week for the Seahawks and Earl Thomas announced he will not be there. In a message posted on Twitter, Thomas emphasized that he wants to “remain a Seahawk for the rest of my career.” But Thomas, who is entering the final year of a four-year, $40 million deal, also said he wants to “have certainty in regards to the upcoming years of my career.” “I also believe that based on my production over the last 8 years that I’ve earned the right to have this taken care of as soon as possible,” Thomas wrote. “I want to have certainty in regards to the upcoming years of my career.”

Thomas stated at the Pro Bowl in January that he may hold out if he doesn’t get a new deal before the season, and he also skipped the Seahawks’ voluntary OTAs last month. He would be subject to fines if he were to skip minicamp, though teams can decide to not impose them.

“I hope my teammates understand where I’m coming from,” Thomas wrote. “I believe this is the right thing to do.”

Seahawks GM John Schneider told reporters before the draft that he was told by Thomas’ representatives that Thomas was not planning on holding out.

This year, the maximum fine amounts for missing minicamp are $14,070 for the first day, $28,150 for the second day and $42,215 for the third day, for a total of $84,435. The Seahawks’ three-day minicamp starts Tuesday.

Thomas, 29, was the subject of trade speculation earlier this offseason. Seahawks general manager John Schneider never shot down the possibility when asked about it, saying it’s his job to listen to all offers. He told Seattle’s Sports Radio 950 KJR after the NFL draft in April that the team wasn’t trying to trade Thomas.

Thomas and linebacker Bobby Wagner are two of the star defenders who remain with the Seahawks after an offseason of big-name departures. Seattle cut Richard Sherman, traded Michael Bennett, lost Sheldon Richardson in free agency and released Cliff Avril with a failed physical designation. Kam Chancellor’s football future is uncertain because of a neck injury. Seattle also lost tight end Jimmy Graham and wide receiver Paul Richardson in free agency.

How do you see this situation playing out? Will Seattle grant Earl Thomas a new contract? Should the Seahawks give him a new contract? Could he possibly be traded? Leave a comment below about this situation.